Sextortion: Yup. It’s a thing.

So many children are experiencing an online abuse that didn’t exist 10 years ago — sextortion. That’s why we’re launching ourStop Sextortioncampaign today, working to break down barriers and spark conversation.

Sextortion can be so isolating and scary that many kids don’t say anything to anyone. Shay Mitchell [yes, from Pretty Little Liars] narrated this video because she knows the impact we can have if we start talking about this issue.

“Too many sextortion victims stay quiet because of shame. We have to spread the word that we have each other’s backs. I want to help victims talk more openly, find resources, find hope and get support.” — Shay Mitchell

Friends, caregivers, educators, companies and policy makers all play a role in keeping kids safe.

“The reason I didn’t want to speak up is because I was afraid of what the adults in my life might think of me. I thought it was all my fault and I figured that’s what they would tell me.” Female, 14, responding to Thorn Sextortion Survey

5 THINGS TO DO TODAY

Take control

If you’re asked to share something that makes you uncomfortable, you have a right to say no, even if you already shared something with them before.

Talk with someone you trust

Text ‘THORN’ to 741741 and immediately speak with a trained Crisis Text Line counselor. Here’s how it works. Tell someone. A close friend, teacher, counselor, or parent. Sextortion sucks, and people going through it are usually pretty scared to tell their friends. Today, right now, tell your closest friends if this ever happens to them, you’ll be there, you won’t judge, you have their back!

Report Sextortion

Tech companies can help you remove images and in some cases, remove the threats. This handy guide will walk you through reporting on many major platforms.

* Important!

If you are under 18, speak up (even if your profile has a different age). It helps companies to know that you’re legally still a minor.

Don’t forward pics

This one is really simple—if somebody sends you a sexual image of somebody else, DO NOT share it. It’s not up to you to decide who should see their body, so don’t forward the image to anyone.

PROTIP: You might be considered legally responsible if you forward these images

Celebrate your friends

Sextortion can lead to bullying and make people feel really alone. Make your friends feel great by telling them what’s unique about them—and why you love it!

You can also join a community of people fighting online harassment at HeartMob and send supportive messages to victims of sextortion and other kinds of harrassment.

Hidden Tears Project

Hidden Tears is a media company that partners with non-profits across the country to raise consciousness through media on gender inequality, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, all of which are intrinsically connected.